Kernels nearing attendance milestone at new Vet

The Cedar Rapids Kernels expect to see the two-millionth fan come through the gates of newer Veterans Memorial Stadium sometime during this upcoming seven-game homestand.

The homestand begins Tuesday at 12:05 p.m. against the Burlington Bees and runs through Monday. Since the ballpark opened in 2002, the Kernels have drawn 1,994,577 fans.

The lucky two-millionth fan will receive a $3,000 prize package of $1,500 cash, a night in a Kernels Diamond Suite, four Praise in the Park concert tickets, two Minnesota Twins tickets, four tickets to an August MMA event, Kernels merchandise, a 2013 autographed team ball and gift certificates to the Ox Yoke Inn, Fareway, Hy-Vee, Jimmy John's, Genghis Grill and the Stadium Lounge.

Here is a look at the upcoming homestand:

June 25-28 vs. Burlington

The Kernels begin a seven-game home stand with four games against the Burlington Bees, the MWL affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

It's a Twins Tuesday, presented Great Clips, when the Kernels take on Burlington at 12:05 p.m. Check the Kernels email newsletter or Facebook page for a special buy one ticket, get one free coupon. The Kernels are wearing special replica Twins jerseys and one lucky fan will win a pair of tickets to a Minnesota Twins game this season. It's also a Noon Game, presented by 1450 AM and 93.1 FM KMRY. Gates open at 11 am and fans can enjoy a regular sandwich, snack and 20 oz. soda or 16 oz. regular draft beer for $7. And, as an added treat, defenseman Clayton Stoner and goaltender Darcy Kuemper from the Minnesota Wild will be at the game to throw out a ceremonial first pitch. Take a break from the office for some daytime baseball as the Kernels take on Burlington at 12:05 p.m.

You'll want to be here when the gates open at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 26 as part of Free Money Wednesday. The Kernels will give away $1,000 at the gates to fans as they enter with the top cash prize of $100. First pitch between the Kernels and Bees is set for 6:35 pm.

It's a Z 102.9 Thirsty Thursday when the Kernels take on Burlington at 6:35 pm on Thursday, June 27. Enjoy $2 bottle soda and water and $2 12 oz. regular draft beer. Also, take $1 off a margarita from the Hacienda Las Glorias / La Cantina Mexican Cart every Thursday Kernels home game. Gates open at 5:30 pm.

You'll want to be here when the gates open at 5:30 pm on Friday, June 28 as its Halfway to Christmas Night at the Kernels. The first 1,000 fans through the gates receive a free Mr. Shucks snow globe as part of the celebration of Halfway to Christmas. Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, and there will be elves and reindeer on the concourse during the game. It's also a 98.1 KHAK Kernels Mug Club Friday. Buy a 16 oz. souvenir mug for $6 and get it filled with regular draft beer or soda at the concession stand. Refills are just $3 and bring your mug back to every Kernels Friday home game for $3 refills. First pitch between the Kernels and Burlington Bees is set for 6:35 pm.

June 29 – July 1 vs. Peoria

The Kernels continue their seven-game home stand with three games against the Peoria Chiefs, the Midwest League affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals.

It's a huge night on Saturday, June 29 when the Kernels take on Peoria at 6:35 pm. The Kernels are wearing special jerseys as part of Autism Awareness Night, presented by Learning Rx, that will be sold via a silent auction during the game with the proceeds to benefit The East Central Iowa Autism Society. Stick around after the game for a spectacular FIREWORKS show. Tickets for fireworks nights are VERY popular, so contact the Kernels Ticket Office at (319) 896-7560 or order yours on-line at www.kernels.com. Gates open at 5:30 pm.

It's another big day on Sunday, June 30 when the Kernels take on Peoria at 2:05 pm. First, it's a Bike to the Ballpark game, presented by New Belgium Brewing and Fleck Sales. Fans are encouraged to bike to the ballpark and park their bikes inside the stadium in a safe bike corral. Bikers will be entered for a chance to win tickets to party on the Plumbers and Pipefitters Pavilion on August 15 with New Belgium Brewing. Enjoy the balloon artistry of Papa Balloon and face painting by Kennedy Wilson on the concourse and play Baseball Bingo during the game, presented by Travel Advisors and the Radisson near Mall of America for a chance to win a trip to Minneapolis, plus world-class juggler Doug Sayers will be on hand to entertain fans during the game. Fans can play catch in the outfield and get autographs from the Kernels on the field after the game as part of 104.5 KDAT Run the Bases Sunday. Also following Sunday's game will be the Chuck Fulton Memorial Home Run Derby, open to boys and girls ages 12 and under. This FREE home run derby, co-sponsored by Perfect Game USA, offers a free t-shirt and is broken down by age groups. Pre-registration is encouraged but youngsters can sign up the day of the game. Gates open at 1:00 p.m. with first pitch between the Kernels and Chiefs set for 2:05 pm.

The homestand wraps up on Monday, July 1 with Dollar Monday. Enjoy regular hot dogs, popcorn, chips, ice cream sandwiches and Cracker Jack for $1 each. Plus, get $1 hard or soft shell tacos from the Hacienda Las Glorias / La Cantina Mexican Cart at every Monday home game. Gates open at 5:30 pm and first pitch between the Kernels and Peoria is set for 6:35 p.m.